5 Human Foods That Are Insanely Good for Your Dog

Does your head ever feel like it’s spinning when it comes to what food is good for your dog and what’s not?

Never mind that we have to navigate the complicated landscape of picking out the right dog food. (Grain free? All natural? Organic? High protein? Chicken? Lamb? And what’s the deal with rice?)

On top of all that, we as dog parents also have to watch the human foods our pups intake – whether it’s intentionally given to them or they pull a robbery and nab a snack without our consent. And if they do snatch the food, we have to make s split-second decision on whether it’s bad for them and what we should do.

Oy. Talk about exhausting.

So instead of getting all worked up about having to know everything, let’s take a breather and talk about five human foods that are insanely healthy for your dog.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the healthy human foods for dogs. Instead, it’s a quick look at five simple foods that go a long way toward boosting your dog’s health.

Carrots

This low-calorie vegetable is packed with vitamin A, which boosts the immune system and keeps your pup’s skin and coat in tip-top shape. And you can’t forget about beta carotene and how it supports eye health in both humans and animals.

Carrots are also high in soluble fiber – always a good thing for Rover’s regularity! And last but not least, dogs love the crunch of a carrot, and this is great because carrots support the dental health of dogs.

Pumpkin

High in fiber and low in calories and fat, pumpkin is loaded with great nutrients like beta carotene, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc and vitamins A and C, all of which enhance a dog’s health.

But where pumpkin really succeeds is in helping a pet’s digestive tract. In fact, many vets recommend canned pumpkin when a dog’s stools are too loose or too hard since it acts as a binding solution through a pet’s digestive tract.

Just note that a little bit of pumpkin goes a long way.

Apples slices

An apple a day keeps the vet away! Apples contain calcium, vitamin K, vitamin C and fiber, and this strengthens your dog’s immune system, keeps their coat healthy and shiny, and helps with regularity.

And like with carrots, a crunchy apple is fun for your dog to chew and helps clean their teeth. Cut an apple into pieces and give to your pup as a naturally sweet treat.

Salmon

As long as it’s cooked thoroughly and the bones are removed, salmon is fabulous for Fido. Why? The omega 3 fatty acids and lean protein. This improves brain health, reduces joint inflammation and stiffness, and improves a dog’s skin and coat.

Bake up some salmon and add a bit to your dog’s dish for a yummy, healthy surprise.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are often overlooked as a beneficial food for dogs, which is a shame because they’re a great source of fiber and packed with vitamin B6, vitamin C, beta carotene and manganese.

We recommend cutting the sweet potato into 1/4″ slices and putting it into a food dehydrator to create a delicious and super healthy treat. Here’s how. You can also boil the potato and give your dog cut-up chunks.

Of course we have to mention that you should always consult with your veterinarian about what’s the best for your dog. And when you introduce a new food, give your pup just a small amount at first to make sure it goes down OK, and then continue to keep an eye on them.